£5m Celtic Flop Michel-Ange Balikwisha Reveals Why He Wanted to Quit Against Rangers

Celtic winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha has opened up about the physical demands of Scottish football, admitting he considered asking to be substituted just 10 minutes into his debut against Rangers.

The Belgian winger started Celtic’s goalless draw with their Glasgow rivals on August 31 last year, but the intensity of the contest quickly left him questioning whether he could cope with the demands of the Scottish Premiership.

Balikwisha had arrived at Celtic with encouragement from former Royal Antwerp manager Mark van Bommel, who had assured him that he possessed the ability to thrive in Scotland. However, his first experience of an Old Firm clash proved far more difficult than anticipated.

The winger struggled to cope with the relentless pace and physicality of the match, leaving him exhausted and struggling for breath. He described the sensation of his thighs burning as the game took its toll.

His experience offered a stark illustration of the adjustment players can face when moving to Scottish football, particularly when thrown straight into one of the country’s most demanding fixtures.

Balikwisha also disclosed that the physical strain of playing for Celtic had affected other members of the squad. He revealed that one team-mate was so drained after featuring under Martin O’Neill that he had to visit hospital for a check-up.

Reflecting on his move from Royal Antwerp to Celtic, Balikwisha explained how Van Bommel had prepared him for the challenge.

“When I left Royal Antwerp to sign for Celtic, the manager Mark van Bommel told me I would be flying in Scotland,” the winger said.

Despite those assurances, his debut against Rangers quickly demonstrated the difference between what he had expected and the reality of competing in the Scottish Premiership.

His admission highlights the physical demands associated with Old Firm football, where the intensity can leave even experienced players struggling to find their rhythm.

£5m Celtic Flop Michel-Ange Balikwisha Reveals Why He Wanted to Quit Against Rangers

Michel-Ange Balikwisha has lifted the lid on his struggles at Celtic, admitting he wanted to ask for a substitution just 10 minutes into his Old Firm debut because he was not physically prepared for Scottish football.

The winger joined Celtic from Royal Antwerp with hopes of making an impact, but the demands of the Scottish Premiership quickly proved difficult to handle. Balikwisha started the 0-0 draw against Rangers on August 31 last year, only to discover that the intensity of the contest was unlike anything he had experienced in Belgium.

The 25-year-old revealed that the relentless running left him exhausted, with his legs burning as he struggled to keep pace with the action.

Speaking about the differences between the two leagues, Balikwisha admitted that he had underestimated the physical challenge awaiting him in Scotland.

“But it turned out I wasn’t physically ready for Celtic. It’s four times more intense than it is in Belgium,” he explained.

“In my first match against Rangers, I wanted to ask to be substituted after ten minutes.

“It is sprint after sprint after sprint, even after a throw-in. My thighs caught fire. Every training session is like a match.”

The winger also described the demanding training methods introduced by Martin O’Neill, revealing that the Celtic manager expected his attacking players to put in additional running even when they were already struggling with fatigue.

“Martin O’Neill forced the strikers to make extra runs. I was already knocked out, but after that I was in the dressing room stone dead!” Balikwisha added.

He also claimed that the physical demands had taken a serious toll on another Celtic player.

“There was a teammate who thought he was going to die – he had to go to hospital for a check-up!”

Celtic loan decision left Balikwisha frustrated

Balikwisha’s difficulties were not limited to adjusting to Scottish football. The winger also expressed frustration over his lack of opportunities following his involvement with the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Africa Cup of Nations.

He claimed that his return to Glasgow coincided with a change in the managerial situation and a difficult period for Celtic in the league.

“I played in the African Cup of Nations with Congo and when I returned, Wilfried Nancy was gone and Celtic were playing a catch-up race in the league,” he said.

According to Balikwisha, O’Neill no longer wanted him in the squad, leaving him struggling for regular minutes as he attempted to revive his Celtic career.

“Martin O’Neill didn’t want me in his squad anymore. It was as if I was paying the price for being away. But I wasn’t the only one who wasn’t playing.”

The winger further claimed that an opportunity to secure a temporary move to Major League Soccer emerged in January, potentially offering him a route to regular first-team football.

However, he said Celtic rejected the proposed three-month loan, a decision he believes had serious consequences for his international ambitions.

“A three-month loan deal from the MLS was offered, but ultimately Celtic refused the loan,” he revealed.

“That was when I knew immediately the World Cup was gone for me.”

The setback was particularly painful for Balikwisha because he believed he had played a part in helping DR Congo qualify for the tournament.

“That hurt because I had contributed to Congo’s qualification,” he added.

His comments provide a revealing insight into a frustrating spell in Glasgow, with the winger describing both the physical challenges he encountered and his disappointment over the lack of opportunities to secure regular football.